Black Jewfish

Black jewfish caught at the lodge usually weigh more than 10kg and fish to 30kg can be caught. Jewies tend to congregate around wrecks and other rough bottom structure and, with their size and power, are a real challenge on all but the heaviest tackle.

Big tide movements limit jewie fishing to neap tide periods or slack water at the top and bottom of the tides when it is possible to get baits to the bottom and hold them there. Drop the bait to the bottom on the wreck or reef, lift the bait a metre or so and hang on!

Other Names:

Prontonibea diacanthus, spotted jewfish, jewfish, jewie

Location:

All round the coast including close inshore, in the estuaries and up in the larger rivers wherever there are deep holes and bottom structure such as reefs.

Season:

Year-round, but December and January are prime months.

Method:

The size and strength of these fish make them a very big challenge on light tackle and many are lost. These are large, powerful fish and a violent encounter can be expected on even heavy tackle. Jewfish will take lures readily but are sometimes encountered in shallow waters whilst barra fishing.